Which pack is best for you?

Festival-goer with limited cooking equipment

Wants to bring a pre-measured portion without weighing it out on site. Check that the preparation method suits the water supply and equipment available.

Shopper stocking up for several meals

Wants to portion out a larger pack and needs a dry, airtight place to store any opened oats. The Voedingscentrum advises storing oats in a cool, dry, dark place.

Shopper who needs to avoid gluten

Checks the gluten-free labelling and allergen information for the specific product, rather than just checking whether it contains oats. For people with coeliac disease, the Voedingscentrum recommends looking for the official Crossed Grain mark on the pack.

What should you look for?

First, work out what preparation equipment you’ll have at the festival. Then choose between portion packs and a larger bulk pack, and check any dietary requirements for each product.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Preparation and portioning Check whether you need cold or boiling water and whether the oats are already packed in individual portions. Without a cooking kit, I want to make a portion without weighing anything or looking for a heat source. Around 42% of consumers put ease of preparation first.
Pack size and storage Check the best-before date and whether you can keep an opened pack dry and tightly sealed. For several meals, I’d rather take one bulk pack, provided I can portion it myself and keep it dry. For around 33% of consumers, having enough to stock up is the top priority.
Gluten and allergens Check the current ingredient and allergen information. If you have coeliac disease, also look for the Crossed Grain mark. If I need to avoid gluten, the pack must make it clear whether this particular oat product is suitable. This is the most important consideration for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘instant’ always means you don’t need hot water

    Preparation methods vary by product. According to the product information from Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express can also be mixed with water, while Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal is listed as requiring boiling water or milk.

    Read the instructions before you set off and make sure you have the liquid, a bowl, a spoon and, if needed, a heat source.

  • Assuming regular oats are gluten-free

    The Voedingscentrum warns that oats can be contaminated with gluten. Regular products may also state that they contain traces of other gluten-containing cereals.

    Check the current pack for gluten-free labelling and allergen information. For coeliac disease, the Voedingscentrum also recommends looking for the official Crossed Grain mark.

  • Taking an opened pack without protecting it

    Moisture and a poorly sealed pack can make your dry supplies less useful. The Voedingscentrum advises storing oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.

    If you’re taking an opened bulk pack, bring a dry, airtight container or bag and keep it out of the sun and away from moisture.

Brands to consider

Quaker

The Quaker Oats Express Naturel product we looked at is an option if you want to bring pre-measured portions.

  • According to Albert Heijn, this version contains 12 sachets of 27 g, and the oats can also be mixed with water, milk, yoghurt or quark.
  • The product information states that it may contain soya, barley and wheat. Check the current pack if you have allergies or need to avoid gluten.

Brinta

The Brinta Havermout product we looked at is for anyone who wants to portion out a larger pack themselves.

  • According to the product information from Albert Heijn, this version is made with extra-fine oat flakes, and the pack gives instructions for preparing it with milk in a pan or microwave.
  • The pack states that it may contain traces of wheat and rye. Don’t treat this product as a gluten-free option.

Elovena

The Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal product we looked at combines individual portions with a gluten-free label.

  • According to Albert Heijn, the pack contains five 40 g portions.
  • The stated preparation method requires 200 ml of boiling water or milk per portion. If you have coeliac disease, also check the mark on the current pack.

Jumbo

The range we looked at includes both oat flakes for portioning yourself and individual portions.

  • These pack formats let you choose how much preparation you want to do yourself.
  • As well as wholegrain oat flakes, Jumbo lists sugar and possible traces of barley, rye and wheat for its Havermout Porties Original. Check the ingredients and allergens for each product.

Portion packs at Joybuy

These two oat products are suitable for taking individual portions with you. Bear in mind that the stated preparation method requires boiling water. Also check the best-before date and allergens on each pack.

Family Whole Red Dates Raisins Oat Flakes, 838 g

Family Whole Red Dates Raisins Oat Flakes, 838 g

An option if you want to take portions of oats with red dates and raisins without weighing them out on site.

Allow for boiling water when following the stated preparation method; don’t assume you can make it with cold water. If you have allergies, check the current pack: this product lists wheat, barley and soya.

View at Joybuy
Family Whole Oatmeal with Milk, 838 g

Family Whole Oatmeal with Milk, 838 g

An option if you want to take individual portions of oatmeal with milk and have access to hot water.

The stated preparation method requires boiling water; don’t assume you can make it with cold water. If you have allergies, check the current pack for ingredients including wheat, milk, soya and black sesame.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How should I store opened oats at a festival?

Store opened oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. Also check the storage instructions and best-before date on the pack. Don’t use the oats if they smell musty or have an unusual texture.

Can I make instant oats without a cooker?

Only if the preparation instructions for your chosen product suit what you have available on site. According to Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express can also be mixed with water, while Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal is listed as requiring boiling water or milk.

Are regular oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?

Don’t assume they are: the Voedingscentrum points out that oats can be contaminated with gluten and recommends that people with coeliac disease look for the official Crossed Grain mark on the pack. Check the current labelling and allergen information for the specific product.

Which allergens should I check in instant oats?

Read the ingredients list and any warnings on the current pack of the product you’re buying. According to Albert Heijn, for example, Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat. Don’t assume the same information applies to other oat products.